Matches
Gonzalo, Mastantuono start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid can line up against Albacete
It is the dawn of a new era at Real Madrid today as they get set to play their first match under manager Alvaro Arbeloa, facing Albacete in the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
The Merengues sacked Xabi Alonso earlier this week, following their return from Saudi Arabia empty-handed, having lost the Spanish Super Cup final to Barcelona.
Arbeloa, who had done a solid job with the Castilla team so far this season, has now been handed the first-team reins and the former defender will be eager to make a mark.
The 42-year-old tactician is known to set his teams up in a 4-3-3 formation that try to play a high-pressing style of football, although, given that he has only had one training session with the team so far, there is unlikely to be a ‘revolution’ right away.
Moreover, Real Madrid are likely to be without some important players for the match. Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo Goes, and Antonio Rudiger did not train with the team on Tuesday and are unlikely to be risked due to their fitness troubles.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, and Eder Militao are out injured while Federico Valverde is also likely to miss the game due to physical issues.
With that in mind, here’s how Real Madrid could take the field in their first match of the Arbeloa era against Albacete later tonight.
Defence
As is the norm for the cup competition, Andriy Lunin is expected to replace Thibaut Courtois in goal for Real Madrid tonight, hoping to secure a clean sheet against the lower league club.
Meanwhile, in defence, academy graduate David Jimenez could be in line to start at right-back, with Dani Carvajal needing his minutes managed after only returning from an injury and Fede Valverde also in need of a breather.
On the opposite side, Fran Garcia should replace Alvaro Carreras, providing the new signing with a well-deserved break.
Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen should continue as the centre-back pairing for the Spanish capital club.
Midfield
Arbeloa likes to play with a single pivot in midfield, and prefers a player who can not only thwart attacks but also carry the ball forward. So, Eduardo Camavinga might have a proper shot at establishing himself as a starter under the new coach moving forward.
However, for his first game, with little to no time to get his ideas across, Arbeloa is likely to continue with Aurelien Tchouameni, who had been excellent under Xabi Alonso, as his pivot midfielder.
Arda Guler, who has seen his form and minutes somewhat dwindle in recent games, is likely to get a starting opportunity in the middle of the park. He will hope to make a big impression on the new coach with a strong performance.
Jude Bellingham is likely to be the third midfielder for Real Madrid and it will be interesting to see how Arbeloa plans to use the Englishman in his tactical setup.
Attack
Up top, Gonzalo Garcia is set to start as the centre-forward for Real Madrid tonight, with Kylian Mbappe unlikely to be risked after his hurried return in the Super Cup final.
Vinicius Jr. finished the last game against Barcelona cramping up and exhausted. But, with there being no injury, he is likely to start and build on his strong performance in the Super Cup final despite the loss.
Finally, Franco Mastantuono should be in line for a rare starting opportunity on the right flank in attack, having not played much since returning from his pubalgia issues.
Real Madrid will lock horns with Elche CF away at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight in Matchday 6 of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
The Merengues are currently second in the league standings with four wins and one defeat from five games, three points behind Barcelona, who are yet to drop a single point this term, and have looked unstoppable.
Given the situation, Real Madrid know there is no room for slip-up, even though it is still very early in the season.
Jose Mourinho’s men have not been particularly convincing away from home this term, having just about managed to beat RCD Espanyol in their opening match before falling to their only defeat of the campaign against Real Betis.
The hope will be to address that issue and put in a strong performance while collecting all three points heading into the derby against Atletico Madrid later in the week.
Going into the match, Los Blancos have not received any new fitness boosts, with Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy still unavailable.
However, there will likely be some rotations with an eye on the derby, and here’s how Mourinho could set his team up against Elche tonight.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold has had to share minutes with summer signing Denzel Dumfries so far this season, but will be hoping to make the right-back spot his own with a convincing performance tonight against Elche.
Meanwhile, on the left, Alvaro Carreras is expected to retain his place after a brilliant display at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano, which would also allow Marc Cucurella to be protected before the derby.
At centre-back, Dean Huijsen is expected to return to the starting lineup, at the expense of Antonio Rudiger, and partner with Ibrahima Konate.
Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid and will continue his search for a second clean sheet this season.
Midfield
While Aurelien Tchouameni has returned from his injury layoff, he is unlikely to be rushed back by Mourinho. As such, the Frenchman is likely to feature off the bench once again tonight at Elche.
Instead, the double pivot pairing of Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva is expected to take the field once again, with Eduardo Camavinga also having to settle for a spot among the substitutes.
Jude Bellingham has started all of Real Madrid’s matches so far this season and given his form and importance to the team, Mourinho will not rotate him tonight against Elche.
Attack
Yan Diomande made his first start at Real Madrid last weekend against Rayo Vallecano but failed to make the best impression.
Meanwhile, Arda Guler was once again brilliant for Los Blancos after coming on as a substitute, making a strong case for him to be reinstated to the starting XI on the right wing.
As for the left side of the attack, Vinicius Jr. will retain his place, hoping to find his best form after a rather slow start to the campaign.
Kylian Mbappe, who has now scored six goals in La Liga this season, will spearhead the attack, hoping to end his run of seven months without scoring away from home in the league.
